15 Best Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks
Rising from the fog-draped shores of Northern California, the coastal California Redwoods are renowned for being the tallest trees on Earth, creating one of the most breathtaking landscapes that one can imagine!
That said, visiting California’s iconic Redwood giants is a bit of a different experience compared to most U.S. National Parks, as the majority of the Redwoods and accessible trails are not located in Redwood National Park. Rather, they are in one of the four main state parks, with the most popular among these being Prairie Creek Redwoods.
This is because Redwood National Park was established relatively late, compared to the nearby state parks that were created to protect these same trees. As a result, much of what visitors experience in the National Park today is a recovering landscape, with very few accessible trails in comparison.
All this to say, there is really no difference between the National and State Parks in terms of how they are managed. They are both treated as interagency parks, which means there is no entrance fee to visit either Redwood National Park or the California State Parks.
Redwoods History
As mentioned previously, visiting the California Redwoods is unlike most other U.S. National Parks, and it’s all because of how the state and federal government responded to save these old-growth forests from being logged.
Why are the Redwoods Broken Up into State Parks?
What this really means is that in the 1920s and 30s, the state of California stepped in long before the federal government by establishing four state parks to protect the Redwoods.
It wasn’t until decades later in 1968 that the National Park was established by Congress, which is what makes visiting the Redwoods so weird today.
Hiking Checklist - Redwoods
There are black bears found throughout the Redwoods, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level in black bear territory.
In addition, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike Redwood National and State Parks.
Bear Spray & Holster - If you aren’t flying, don’t rent bear spray! It’s a waste of money. Prepare ahead of time by buying your own, as this may be one of the most important items on this list.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
15 Best Things to Do in Redwood National & State Parks
The following list is written in no particular order of best or worst.
More importantly, since the California Redwoods are spread out between the national and state parks, I labeled each recommendation below with the corresponding park to help you best plan out your trip!
1. Bald Hills Road (Redwood National Park)
I put Bald Hills Road first because it is truly most accessible and likely the only part of Redwood National Park that you will visit.
If it’s your goal to visit all of the U.S. National Parks, then you will want to drive Bald Hills Road because technically speaking, all of the other places on this list are found within the various state parks.
That being said, since Bald Hills Road climbs in elevation from U.S. 101, it is not the best place to see the Redwoods compared to the state parks.
Redwood trees do not grow well toward the salty coast, and they thin at the higher elevations off Bald Hills Road, especially since much of the land that was acquired had previously been logged because the National Park was established so late.
Still, it’s interesting and terrible to learn about the destruction from the loggers, as well as the struggle to protect these forests. But again, this is another reason why Redwood National Park is not the best place to see the biggest trees, as they will take thousands of years to look like they once did.
All being said, if you come to Bald Hills Road to explore the trails, such as the Tall Trees Trail, they are still a great place to enjoy the Redwoods. I say this because the Tall Trees Access Road drops significantly in elevation before reaching the trailhead, meaning the trail traverses through a true old-growth forest, unlike the Redwoods at the top of the road.
Google Maps Directions: Bald Hills Road
2. Fern Canyon Trail (Prairie Creek)
Distance: 1.1 - 11.2 miles / 1.8 - 18.0 km
When Gold Bluffs Beach Road is open, the Fern Canyon Trail is very easily accessible at only 1.1-miles (1.8 km) roundtrip if you do the loop from the parking lot at the end of the road, and it’s only 0.4 miles (0.6 km) through Fern Canyon itself.
However, I personally don’t recommend hiking from Gold Buffs Beach. Instead, I recommend the 11.2-mile (18.0 km) James Irvine to Miners Ridge Loop Trail.
You might be thinking that this loop is beyond many people's ability because of the distance, but this loop is a very easy trail so long as you are in moderate shape to walk that far. I say this because the hike really is a casual walk, as you meander through the beautiful giant trees!
Fern Canyon
When you reach Fern Canyon, you may need to take off your shoes, depending on the water level. However, walking the short 0.4 miles (0.6 km) through the cold water is really half the fun!
Additionally, the rangers at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center can let you know what the water level is before you begin hiking.
All in all, the Fern Canyon Loop via James Irvine and Miners Ridge took my friend and I about 5-6 hours, but that is only because we were moving slow and taking countless photos. More than likely, your time will be much faster.
3. Grove of the Titans Trail (Jedediah Smith)
Distance: 1.7 miles / 2.7 km
Due in large part to social media, the Grove of the Titans has become one of the most sought after hikes throughout the Redwoods.
For this reason, the Mill Creek Trail that leads to the grove has been reconstructed, which is now one of the easiest and best maintained trail across all the parks!
Read My Separate Post: Grove of the Titans Trail
4. Stout Grove Trail (Jedediah Smith)
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
Just down the road from the Grove of the Titans is another popular and easy, kid-friendly trail known commonly as Stout Grove.
Personally, the Stout Grove Loop is one of my favorites because of this beautiful section in the photo below!
Read My Separate Post: Stout Memorial Grove Trail
5. Rhododendron-West Ridge Loop (Prairie Crk.)
Distance: 7.9 miles / 12.7 km
Within the Prairie Creek Redwoods, hiking is all about making a loop out of the many trails surrounding Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.
That’s why, if you’re looking for something a little bit longer, I couldn’t recommend this loop trail more highly.
Additionally, if you want to hike something longer but not quite this far, know that after completing the Brown Creek and Rhododendron Trails, there is the option to return on a shorter loop, which you can read about in my separate post.
Read My Separate Post: Brown Creek-Rhododendron-West Ridge Loop Trail
6. Avenue of the Giants (Humboldt Redwoods)
The Avenue of the Giants is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic and iconic drives in America!
The roughly 31.5-mile (50.7 km) scenic drive from the north entrance, beginning near Pepperwood, to the south entrance near Phillipsville is easily one of the best ways to spend a few hours in the Redwoods!
Google Maps Directions: North Entrance / South Entrance
My Print - Avenue of the Giants
7. Big Tree (Prairie Creek)
The Big Tree is a roughly 1,500-year-old gigantic tree located only a short distance off Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway within the Prairie Creek Redwoods.
For this reason, I personally think that the Big Tree is a must-see destination, given that the walk is so quick and easy from the parking area.
Google Maps Directions: Big Tree
8. Boy Scout Tree Trail (Jedediah Smith)
Distance: 5.3 miles / 8.5 km
The Boy Scout Tree Trail in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods is one of the best Redwood trails near Crescent City.
That being said, the Howland Hill Road alone is worth the drive through the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, which explains my next recommendation on this list!
AllTrails: Boy Scout Tree Trail
9. Drive Howland Hill Road (Jedediah Smith)
Even if you don’t plan to hike any of the trails within the Jedediah Smith Redwoods, the drive through Howland Hill Road is something to see on it’s own.
Personally, I love this Howland Hill Road first thing in the morning when the weather is cool and the clouds are rolling through, which is also one of the best times to enjoy the trails before Jedediah Smith gets busier by mid-morning.
Google Maps Directions: Howland Hill Road
10. Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail (Prairie Creek)
Distance: 0.6 miles / 1.0 km
In my opinion, the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail is the best kid-friendly hike within the Prairie Creek Redwoods.
I say this because the Ah-Pah Trail is a short and beautiful out-and-back hike with essentially no elevation gain, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for one of the easier trails to explore.
Read My Separate Post: Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail
11. Corkscrew Tree (Prairie Creek)
The Corkscrew Tree within the Prairie Creek Redwoods is a uniquely twisted tree, unlike any other!
Furthermore, visiting the Corkscrew Tree is a lot like the Big Tree in that it’s a very easy walk from where you park off the scenic parkway.
Google Maps Directions: Corkscrew Tree
12. Redwood Drive-Thru Trees
During my first visit many years ago, I was surprised to learn that all of the drive-thru Redwood trees are not associated with any of the parks. They are privately owned, and they are something that you may have to go out of your way to see.
In total, there are three drive-thru trees where you can stop to get a picture as you drive through. However, all three trees are in very different locations, but the Klamath and Shrine Trees are the two most accessible to the national and state parks.
Shrine Tree
The Shrine Tree is located just outside of Humboldt Redwoods State Park on the Avenue of the Giants. It has hours of operation where you can drive through, so be sure to check before visiting.
Chandelier Tree
The Chandelier Tree is located furthest from any of the parks in Leggett, CA, and it also has certain hours where you can drive through Sunday - Saturday, similar to the Shrine Tree.
Klamath Tree
Finally, out of all the drive-thru Redwoods, the Klamath Tree is the closest to the Prairie Creek Visitor Center, at about a 20-minute drive north, and it’s the only tree that does not advertise certain hours of operation.
13. Damnation Creek Trail (Del Norte Coast)
Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
For those looking for a more challenging hike through the Redwoods, I recommend the Damnation Creek Trail in the Del Norte Redwoods.
By more challenging, I mean that Damnation Creek is a nearly all downhill hike off of U.S. 101 to the beautiful California Coast, which I recommend hiking when you’re either driving north or south between Crescent City and Eureka.
Read My Separate Post: Damnation Creek Trail
14. Moorman Pond Trail (Prairie Creek)
Distance: 1.0 miles / 1.6 km
Little trails, like the Moorman Pond Trail, are often overlooked compared to other, more popular trails near the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.
For this reason, if you want to enjoy a quiet trail that very few visitor choose to explore, I highly recommend the Moorman Pond Trail, which also makes for a great kid-friendly hike, much like the Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail.
Read My Separate Post: Moorman Pond Trail
15. SeaQuake Brewing
After a long day exploring the California Redwoods, there’s nothing better than stopping at SeaQuake Brewing in Crescent City to grab some food!
In my opinion, their locally brewed beer and fun games outside make SeaQuake the best choice for dinner in Crescent City.
Yelp: SeaQuake Brewing
What are the Best Places to Stay Around the Redwoods?
When deciding where to stay around the Redwoods, my number one recommendation is to avoid booking cheap!
Any place that looks like a good deal in Crescent City, Arcata, and Eureka is generally pretty gross. Therefore, for a decent place to stay, I recommend starting your search on VRBO.
3 Best Things to Do Near Redwood National & State Parks
1. Oregon Redwoods
In southern Oregon near Brookings, there are two small pockets of Redwoods that few people visit compared to the California Redwoods.
Of the two, the Redwood Nature Trail is the closest to Brookings, and it’s easily the most accessible because the entire road to get there is paved.
Additionally, there is the Oregon Redwoods Trail, which is the much better of the two options. However, the road to reach the trailhead is not paved, meaning that during the wetter times of the year a 4x4 can make the drive a bit easier.
Read My Separate Posts: Redwood Nature Trail / Oregon Redwoods Trail
2. Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
The Grizzly Creek Redwoods are a bit out of the way from the most popular parks, but if you happen to be driving between the I-5 and the Redwoods, I recommend taking a little detour to visit this little-known state park!
It doesn’t see nearly the same amount of people as other places in the Redwoods!
Google Maps Directions: Grizzly Creek Redwoods
My Print - Grizzly Creek Redwoods
3. Driving the Oregon Coast
If you’re making your way north from the California Redwoods, I highly recommend scrolling through my separate article written entirely about the Oregon Coast.
I used to live on Oregon Coast, and in this post, I talk about a ton of amazing adventures that you might be interested if you’re making your way north.
Read My Separate Post: Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Throughout the Redwoods, Elk and Black Bears are common, and it’s important to know how to react in the event of either wildlife encounter.
Moreover, while hiking in black bear territory usually presents less danger compared to grizzlies, hiking with bear spray is never a bad idea. However, it’s really up to your own discretion and comfort level.
As always, find the most up-to-date information and conditions on the official National Park website.
National Park Service: Redwood National & State Parks
U.S. National Parks Pass
Did you know that the same America the Beautiful Pass that grants access to all 63 U.S. National Parks can be purchased in advance at REI?
Yes, you can save time when you arrive by purchasing your National Park pass, along with your other outdoor gear, at REI before traveling to the park!
More U.S. National Parks
If you’d like to read more about some of my best recommendations when visiting other U.S. National Parks, check out some of my other posts below!
Disclaimer
All information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for information or advice from qualified professionals or managing agencies.
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